Net Neutrality:
is the concept that internet service providers (ISPs) are not allowed to discriminate against web traffic. Without laws protecting net neutrality, ISPs can slow down connections based on what the content is. They can even charge more for certain content to be reached faster. This is referred to as creating fast and slow lanes. Without net neutrality ISPs can charge you extra for the ability to watch videos (and have them load quickly).
Even more dangerously, this also means that ISPs can slow down access to content that they don't like. Without net neutrality, free speech on the internet could be in serious danger. ISPs may not stop you from posting what you like, but they could stop people from accessing it.
If you click the picture to the right it will lead to a great visual explanation of net neutrality by theopeninter.net.
Even more dangerously, this also means that ISPs can slow down access to content that they don't like. Without net neutrality, free speech on the internet could be in serious danger. ISPs may not stop you from posting what you like, but they could stop people from accessing it.
If you click the picture to the right it will lead to a great visual explanation of net neutrality by theopeninter.net.
The situation.
Net Neutrality used to be protected by the "Open Internet Order" which forbade ISPs to discriminate against web traffic. A January 2014 court ruling over turned this, and now there is no official protection for Net Neutrality. The court ruling means that only way to save net neutrality is to reclassify ISP as "common carriers". This means that ISPs will be acknowledged as having a huge amount of power, and therefore would be legally prevented from discriminating against traffic. In May the FCC proposed new rules, but instead of saving net neutrality they stand to enshrine ISPs' ability to discriminate in law. Since then, people across the web have been banding together to tell the FCC that those rules are no good and that net neutrality needs to be saved.
This website has an even more detailed explanation: http://www.savetheinternet.com/net-neutrality-what-you-need-know-now
Public Knowledge has a great timeline : http://whatisnetneutrality.org/timeline
This website has an even more detailed explanation: http://www.savetheinternet.com/net-neutrality-what-you-need-know-now
Public Knowledge has a great timeline : http://whatisnetneutrality.org/timeline
Latest News
(most recent first)
Busted: The Internet Tax Hoax of 2014 - 12/15/14
Verizon Pulls Plug On Controversial Tech Site SugarString - 12/3/14
F.C.C. Chairman Says Agency Will Not Rush Net Neutrality Rules - 11/21/14
Obama calls on FCC to make 'strongest possible rules' to protect net neutrality - 11/10/14
Verizon bans domestic surveillance and net neutrality articles from tech news site - 10/29/14
Verizon Pulls Plug On Controversial Tech Site SugarString - 12/3/14
F.C.C. Chairman Says Agency Will Not Rush Net Neutrality Rules - 11/21/14
Obama calls on FCC to make 'strongest possible rules' to protect net neutrality - 11/10/14
Verizon bans domestic surveillance and net neutrality articles from tech news site - 10/29/14